WORK has begun on road improvements to a town's seafront.

Traffic signals at the junction of Redcar's Esplanade with West Terrace are to be upgraded to incorporate a new toucan crossing point for the National Cycle Route, which is to be extended along the Esplanade.

The zebra crossing at the Station Road junction will also be refurbished.

The opening phase of the programme will also include the removal of 14 rumble strips or speed cushions and their replacement with raised areas at the junctions of Station Road and West Terrace.

There are 35 rumble strips between Henry Street and Clarendon Street, and they are thought to have been responsible for a 68 per cent reduction in accidents and an average 18 mph cut in speed.

But since their installation in 1997 and 1998, the rumble strips have resulted in complaints from residents, businesses, bus and taxi operators and other road users.

They say they cause damage to vehicles, and are noisy and cause vibrations.

Protestors also say they have led to an increase in traffic on alternative cross-town routes.

Councillor Eric Empson, the council's cabinet member for strategic planning, development and infrastructure said: "It has not been an easy decision.

"How can you criticise a scheme that cuts down on accidents and reduces speed?

"That has been our dilemma, but we have listened to the public's concerns and we are quietly confident that the new measures will still maintain the Esplanade's excellent safety record."

More rumble strips will be removed in the autumn when there will also be resurfacing work.